Life is full of sure things, two of which we all know….death and taxes. I can attest to both, and I bet you can too. They are both basically unavoidable. Trying to skirt around one will leave you with fines and possibly other punishments, but are there consequences to death? Well, maybe that’s one to ponder for a moment.

When I think about death, my first thought is about physical death – no heartbeat or breathing. Unless I am alive when Jesus comes back, I will most certainly experience physical death. But I am not only a physical being. God created me with two very distinct parts – physical and spiritual. Even though I can’t physically touch my spiritual part, which is my soul, it’s there….and I believe it’s much more important than my physical body.

My soul…….What is it? What does it do? It’s my conscience, my consciousness, my emotions….my character. It’s who I am when no one is looking. It’s the eternal part of me…..and it’s priceless to Jesus. The way I talk to and treat people, the work I do, my hobbies, my service, how I show love to others, what I stand for, what I believe…..are all reflections of my soul.

Does anyone remember the poem, “Invictus?” I remember having to memorize and recite it in elementary school. While I don’t quickly recall the entire writing, I do vividly remember the last two lines: “I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul.” While the poem was written and is still used as a strong encouragement when facing very difficult circumstances, today….it makes me pause. Do I really want to be the master of my fate? Regardless of whether we realize it or not, we are the masters of our fate for eternity because we all must make a choice to accept Jesus as our Savior or not. God made the way for salvation by sending His only Son to pay OUR sin debt and be made right with Him. Jesus is the only way to the Father. Now secondly, do I want to be the captain of my soul? Quietly the answer comes as a whisper…like a light spring breeze…..no. I don’t. I am NOT strong enough for that, but I know who is……Jesus. If it took Jesus leaving Heaven, coming to this earth, and dying to save it then I know without a doubt He is the only One that can protect it and keep it safe in all the craziness and chaos that living in this fallen world brings.

The Bible is full of promises….promises than cannot ever fail. Maybe instead of remembering the last two lines of “Invictus,” I will sing these with the full assurance of Who holds me and my soul……

“Standing on the promises than cannot fail, when the howling storms of fear and doubt assail. By the Living Word of God I shall prevail! Standing on the promises of God!” God is good…forever and ever.